Orlu: 33 clerics, elders allegedly detained as Army searches for Eastern Security Network camps

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At least nine pastors and 24 church elders have been arrested by soldiers in search of the camps of the personnel of Eastern Security Network (ESN) owned by the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) in some parts of Orlu Senatorial District.

The church leaders, The Nation learnt, were arrested following the raids that started in January in Orlu communities, especially Njaba, Orsu and Oru East council areas.

While peace seemed to have been restored early February, the military in conjunction with the Intelligence Response Team of the police, stormed the areas last weekend.

Some of those arrested were Presiding Priest of Our Lord’s Sabbath in Umunam Atta Community, Njaba LGA, Rev. Chigozie Nwaka as well as a number of other clerics and church elders in Ubokoro Atta, Okporo, Okwudor.

It was gathered before the latest raid, soldiers invaded some churches, including House of Prayer International Covenant Church Okporo Orlu and arrested over 20 members of the church, including clerics.

However, spokesman of the Imo Police Command, Orlando Ikeokwu, told The Nation he was not aware of the arrest and detention of any church member in connection with the Orlu crisis.

But the ongoing military operation in search of the camps of the personnel of the ESN has created panic in Orlu, Njaba and Orsu Local Government Areas.

The Nation learnt there has been heavy presence of the military in the communities since last Friday.